Make Straight the Way of the Lord
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Talk on How to Make Your Advent a Fruitful Preparation for Christmas
Make Straight the Way of the Lord
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Presence of God in the Soul of Christ
Listen to my homily for today:
If you have trouble listening, click here.
Today's Mass Readings
In the collect today we pray:
That, consoled by the presence of your Son whose coming we now await, we may be tainted no longer by the corruption of former ways.The divine Presence of Jesus Christ is a great balm, light, and medicine. Since the moment of his Incarnation, the Most Holy Trinity has been made accessible through the soul of Christ, which is hypostatically united both with the Most Holy Trinity, and also with human nature, and even with each person,
"For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man" (Vatican II Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 22).In the readings we can see this, the work of the Most Holy Trinity. The prophet Isaiah shows us that the Holy Spirit rests upon Christ's humanity, particularly his soul, in the form of his seven gifts. In the Gospel we see that the human soul of Christ gives us the Fatherhood of God, knowledge and filiation of God as Abba Father. United to the humanity of Christ the effects are quite marvelous, as the first readings shows, that the poison and disorder of sin has been redeemed. This is illustrated in these juxtaposed images of a baby placing his hand on the cobra's den, the lion eating hay, and the like.
Yet all of this happened where? In the womb of Mary, where we find the Church in this holy season of Advent. Through Our Lady's intercession, may we come to know and practice the presence of Jesus Christ, that he may bring us into the fullness of the trinitarian communion.
Consecration to Jesus Through Mary: DAY 21
On DAY 21 of the preparation for consecration, we are challenged to know Mary in an altogether new way. Many know about her and pray an occasional prayer or acknowledge her on feast days. Others pray her rosary, and have a devotion to her, but a deeper knowledge is to know Mary the way Jesus does, and thus to love her the way he does. This is to do everything through, with, in, for, by her just as Jesus does.
Readings:
Secret of Mary: Nos. 23-24
True Devotion to Our Blessed Lady
If we would go up to God, and be united with Him, we must use the same means He used to come down to us to be made Man and impart His graces to us. This means is a true devotion to our Blessed Lady. There are several true devotions to our Lady: here I do not speak of those which are false.
The first consists in fulfilling our Christian duties, avoiding mortal sin, acting more out of love than with fear, praying to our Lady now and then, honoring her as the Mother of God, yet without having any special devotion to her.
The second consists in entertaining for our Lady more perfect feelings of esteem and love, of confidence and veneration. It leads us to join the Confraternities of the Holy Rosary and of the Scapular, to recite the Holy Rosary, to honor Mary's images and altars, to publish her praises and to enroll ourselves in her sodalities. This devotion is good, holy and praiseworthy if we keep ourselves free from sin. But it is not so perfect as the next, nor so efficient in severing our soul from creatures, in detaching ourselves in order to be united with Jesus Christ.
The third devotion to our Lady, know and practiced by very few persons, is this I am about to disclose to you, predestinate soul. It consists in giving one's self entirely and as a slave to Mary, and to Jesus through Mary, and after that, to do all that we do, through Mary, with Mary, in Mary and for Mary. We should choose a special feast day on which we give, consecrate and sacrifice to Mary, voluntarily, lovingly, and without constraint, entirely and without reserve: our body and soul, our exterior property, such as house, family and income, and also our interior and spiritual possessions: namely, our merits, graces, virtues, and satisfactions.
Prayers:
Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have Mercy on Us, Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, Save Us, Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, Hear Us, Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Fatherand the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. (etc.) Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen.
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Monday, November 28, 2011
Advent Silence Leads us to Accept the Gift of Faith
Mass Readings for Today, Monday of the 1st Week of Advent
When I was young I loved to go into the woods and here the sound of the snow falling. It was a very loud kind of silence. This is the mystical or liturgical sound, as it were, of Advent. This is because the whole Church, the mystical Body of Christ is at this time of the year in the womb of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. This is also why Advent is Mary's season par excellence.
Advent is also a season of repentance, but not in the same rigorous way as Lent, but in a somber clearing away of the noise of our life for the coming of the Savior.
Each day of Advent is a gift from the Lord. Today, in the encounter with the centurion, it is faith. Faith is a gift from God infused into our souls at Baptism, but it must be augmented by a life of penance and exercising the virtue of faith by believing that the Lord's words to us are true and solid, more sure than even the ground upon which we stand.
May Our Lady help us this holy season to grow in faith, joyful and hopeful expectation of the Lord's coming, and in adoration of the living God.
Archbishop Peter Smith's Pastoral Letter for Advent
Mass Readings for Today
Besides introducing the the Holy Season of Advent by telling the faithful that the whole Church is mystically carried in the silence and joy of the womb of Mary during this time, this was my homily for the First Sunday of Advent:
Southwark Archdiocese
To be read or made available
on the First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, 27th November 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I write this Pastoral Letter to you, I am looking out of my window at a very gloomy scene. It is growing dark and the street lamps are struggling to shine through the thickening fog which has become a feature of these last few days of November. That rather depressing scene is reflected in the latest news headlines of a deepening economic crisis and rising unemployment especially amongst the young. It is mirrored in the struggle of many pensioners to find sufficient money to pay for heating during the coming winter; in the reports of lack of care for the elderly in some of our hospitals and care homes, and now we hear even in their own homes. It is mirrored in a growing anxiety and even fear as we hear of the seemingly muddled and fruitless attempts by governments to solve the world’s economic and financial problems. In the Middle East there is a resurgence of violence, killing and injustice on the part of some political regimes and in some countries the persecution of Christians and other minority groups. Yet in the midst of this darkness, the light occasionally shines through. Just last week the “Children in Need” appeal raised £27 million pounds from ordinary people in this country despite the difficult financial circumstances we all face to a greater or lesser degree.
How, then, do we reconcile all this with the season of Advent which we begin today - a season which the Church presents to us as one of joyful expectation as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, the coming into the world of God in the person of Jesus Christ, our Saviour? Has the God of unconditional love, mercy and compassion abandoned us? Surely he must see the suffering and distress of so many people in our society and world? Does he not care? Such questions remind me of the one put to our Lord by the disciples in the boat, overwhelmed by the storm which threatened to destroy them: “Lord, do you not care? We are going down!” Jesus’ response was not an answer, but another question: “Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?”
Advent is a fruitful time for us to examine the depth and strength of our faith in God and in his providence. In the person of Jesus Christ, whose birth we will celebrate at Christmas, we see made visible the God we cannot see; the God who asks to be invited into our innermost lives in order to share his love with us. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice, I will come in to him…” But the door to our hearts can only be opened from the inside, and Christ will not force his way in - he waits with great longing and patience for us to invite him to come in. He longs to take away our fears and anxieties and convince us of his unconditional love for each one of us - a love which is steadfast and enduring and which will never fail whatever the storms of life bring. In the words of St. Ambrose: “Blessed therefore, is the one at whose door Christ knocks. Our door is faith, which, if strong, fortifies the whole house. It is through this door that Christ comes in.”
In today’s short gospel passage, Jesus three times urges his disciples to “stay awake” because he doesn’t want to find us asleep when he comes knocking at the door. In this context, to be asleep signifies self-centredness, selfishness and spiritual exhaustion; a turning in on ourselves and a turning away from any concern for the needs of others. To be awake means to live with a firm and lively faith, and to live a life of outgoing love towards God and our neighbour. It means to trust in God’s presence and providence, alert and attentive to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit who wants to transform our lives and fill us with the love of God. That transformation is both spiritual and moral, and allows the Spirit to draw us closer to Christ in a deeper personal relationship through prayer and the celebration of the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist.
As we grow in the love of God, we inevitably grow in our love for our neighbour. The gospel we listened to last Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King, makes very clear what that means in practice. Jesus fully identified himself and his mission with those in need: the poor, the hungry and thirsty, the oppressed, the outcasts. Whatever their circumstances, they need to be loved, valued and respected because they are created in the image and likeness of God. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, these are our neighbours, these are the ones in whom we meet the suffering Christ. He told us that the poor will always be with us and in the present circumstances there is certainly no lack of them in our parishes and neighbourhoods. Whilst these are truly our neighbours, we are only truly his disciples if we do what he asks of us, because on that we shall be judged on the last day. “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick and in prison and go to see you? And the King will answer, ‘I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’” But have we the eyes to see them, or the ears to hear their cry? Have we the love and generosity to give of our time and talents to help them in their need? Are we awake and alert to their needs here in this parish, in this neighbourhood?
We cannot hope to fulfil the challenge Christ puts before us every day unless we are firmly rooted in the spiritual life, in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only then will we be able to listen and respond to the word of God speaking in our hearts. Only then will we recognise the prompting of the Holy Spirit and be able to discern what the Spirit is asking of us in our own lives and as members of the local Church. As the prophet Isaiah puts it: “Lord, you are our Father; we the clay, you the potter, we are all the work of your hands.” This is literally a “labour of love” in which he asks us to freely and generously co-operate. So I commend to you the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians: “You must live your whole life according to the Christ you have received, Jesus the Lord; you must be rooted in him and built on him and held firm by the faith you have been taught, and full of thanksgiving.”
With an assurance of my prayers and blessing for you all this Advent,
Archbishop of Southwark
Given at Southwark,
22nd November 2011
Given at Southwark,
22nd November 2011
Consecration to Jesus Through Mary: DAY 20
On DAY 20 we begin a new part of the preparation for consecration, called Knowledge of Mary.
Acts of love, pious affections for the Blessed Virgin, imitation of her virtues, especially her surpassing purity, her divine wisdom, her profound humility, her lively faith, her continual mental prayer, her blind obedience, her mortification in all things, her heroic patience, her ardent charity, and her angelic sweetness: "these being," as Saint Louis De Montfort says, "the ten principal virtues of the Blessed Virgin."
We must unite ourselves to Jesus through Mary - this is the characteristic of our devotion; therefore Saint Louis De Montfort asks that we employ ourselves in acquiring a knowledge of the Blessed Virgin. Mary is our sovereign and our mediatrix, our Mother and our Mistress. Let us then endeavor to know the effects of this royalty, of this mediation, of this maternity, as well as the grandeurs and prerogatives which are the foundation or consequences thereof. Our blessed Mother is also perfect - a mold wherein we are able to be molded in order to make her intentions and dispositions ours. This we cannot achieve without studying the interior life of Mary, namely her virtues, her sentiments, her actions, her participation in the mysteries of Christ and her union with Him.
Reading:
St. Luke: Chapter 2: 16-21, 42-52
So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.
The circumcision of Jesus
When the eighth day came and child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before His conception.
When He was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without His parents knowing it. They assumed He was with the caravan, and it was only after a day's journey that they went to look for Him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find Him they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him everywhere.
Three days later, they found Him in the Temple sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard were astounded at His intelligence and His replies. They were overcome when they saw Him, and His mother said to Him, "My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you. "Why were you looking for me? He replied. "Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?" But they did not understand what He meant.
The hidden life at Nazareth resumed
He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.
Prayers:
| Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have Mercy on Us, Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, Save Us, Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, Hear Us, Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Fatherand the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. (etc.) Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen.
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Sunday, November 27, 2011
Consecration to Jesus Through Mary: DAY 19
On DAY 19 we want to apply our self-knowledge to fruitfulness in works of prayer, penance, charity, and growing in discipleship of the Lord.
Readings:
St. Luke: Chapter 18: 15-30
Jesus and the children
People even brought little children to Him, for Him to touch them; but when the disciples saw this they turned them away. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
The rich aristocrat
A member of one of the leading families put this questions Him, "Good Master, what have I to do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not commit adultery; You must not kill; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; Honor your father and mother." He replied, "I have kept all these from my earliest days until now." And when Jesus heard this He said, "There is still one thing you lack. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." But when he heard this he was filled with sadness, for he was very rich.
The danger of riches
Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to make their way into the kingdom of God! Yes, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." "In that case," said the listeners, "Who can be saved?" "Things that are impossible for men," he replied, "are possible for God."
The reward of renunciation
Then Peter said, "What about us? We left all we had to follow you." He said to them, "I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not be given repayment many times over in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life."
Prayers:
Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have Mercy on Us, Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, Save Us, Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, Hear Us, Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Fatherand the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. (etc.) Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen.
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Ave Maris Stella Hail, bright star of ocean, God's own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva's name. Break the captives' fetters, Light on blindness pour, All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thy Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. |
Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild, Freed from guilt, preserve us, Pure and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy forevermore. Through the highest heaven To the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. |
Reflecting on the Past Liturgical Year on the Last Day of It
Today is the last day of the Church's Liturgical Year. I find this is a good day to reflect on how God has been acting and how I have or have not cooperated with the Holy Spirit who is the memory of the Church and who quickens the Liturgical Prayer of the Church giving it life and holiness.
Listen to my homily for today:
In the Mass reading for today, we get a description from the prophet Daniel of the Antichrist. Shouldn't be too cryptic, we know this spirit well. It is the one which, as St John points out,
"that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist" (1 John 4:3)
This is the spirit with which we war against in the holy battle of the Sacred Liturgy, which, if we enter into with faith, will both proclaim to us the supreme majesty of God, and also the presence of God almighty in the Incarnation of the Word, to whom we offer all praise, worship, honor, blessing, and adoration in his Eucharistic presence. It is good to reflect in the past year if we have allowed this spirit to impede our liturgical drinking-in of the inebriating Spirit of the Living God.
This kind of annual examination of conscience is good to help us, as Jesus says in the Gospe, "Stay awake!" for when we reflect on our actions it is almost natural to want to set goals and realign our sights on the next year to open our hearts more to the presence and action of God in our midst through the sacred words and gestures of the Divine Liturgy of heaven which we enter into every time we approach God in the prayers and sacraments of Holy Mother Church.
To help us do this we have Our Lady, whom we pray with in a special way on every Saturday. May Mary, Queen of the Roman Liturgy, and Mother of the Church, come to our aid and help us aspire to the divine knowledge of the Love of God manifested in his sacred rites.
VIDEO: The Holy Cross at Heiligenkreuz Abbey near Vienna, Austria
This was recorded at Heiligenkreuz Abbey an hour south of Vienna, Austria. The ancient monastery was overflowing with new young vocations, a very lively lay presence who prayed with them during many of the hours, even the Vigils at 5:15 am. They are a very powerful leaven in the surrounding community, who attend their Masses in Latin (Ordinary Form in community) and in German (in the shrine). The abbey has been visited by the Holy Father, Blessed Mother Teresa, and quite obviously the frequent visit from the Divine Spirit that enlivens all those who desire to follow him.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Consecration to Jesus Through Mary: DAY 18
Today on DAY 18 of the preparation for consecration we must remember that self-knowledge and self-discipline, if it is to be fruitful must be a gentle acknowledgment of the Mercy of God. For when we discipline with gentle love the heart is corrected and encouraged to know goodness and conversion.
Readings:
St. Luke: Chapter 17: 1-10
On leading others astray
He said to his disciples, "Obstacles are sure to come, but alas for the one who provides them! It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone put round his neck than that he should lead astray a single one of these little ones. Watch yourselves!"
Brotherly correction
If your brother does something wrong, reprove him and, if he is sorry, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times a day and seven times comes back to you and says, "I am sorry," you must forgive him.
The power of faith
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and placed in the sea,' and it would obey you."
Humble service
Which of you, with a servant plowing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the field, "Come and have your meal immediately?" Would he not be more likely to say, "Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards?" Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: When you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are merely servants: We have done no more than our duty."
Imitation: Book 3, Chapter 47 That all grievous things are to be endured for life everlasting
Son, let not your labors which you have undertaken for My sake crush you, neither let tribulations, from whatever source, cast you down, but in every occurrence let My promise strengthen and console you. I am sufficient in recompense to you beyond all bounds and measures. It is not long you have to labor here, nor will you always be oppressed with sorrows. Wait a little while and you shall see a speedy end of suffering.
Prayers:
Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have Mercy on Us, Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, Save Us, Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, Hear Us, Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Fatherand the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. (etc.) Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen.
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Ave Maris Stella Hail, bright star of ocean, God's own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva's name. Break the captives' fetters, Light on blindness pour, All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thy Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. |
Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild, Freed from guilt, preserve us, Pure and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy forevermore. Through the highest heaven To the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. |
Friday, November 25, 2011
Consecration to Jesus Through Mary: DAY 17
Jesus teaches us today on DAY 17 of the preparation for consecration about being crafty about forgiveness because we are forgiven by God the way that we forgive others. So the smart thing to do is to forgive all with a generous heart that we may permit God to measure the same to us. Even though his mercy is infinite, we have the capacity to be stupid and limit this mercy by not being merciful to others.
Readings:
Imitation of Christ: Book 1, Chapter 24
Of judgment and punishment of sinners
In all things look to the end and how you will stand before the strict judge, from Whom there is nothing hid, Who takes no bribes, receives no excuses, but will judge that which is just. O miserable sinner, O foolish sinner, what will you answer to God Who knows all your evil deeds - you who are sometimes afraid of an angry man? Why don't you provide yourself against the day of judgment? When no man can be excused or defended by another, but each one will have enough to answer for himself?
St. Luke, Chapter 16: 1-8
The crafty steward
He also said to His disciples, "There was a rich man and he had a steward who was denounced to him for being wasteful with his property. He called for the man and said, 'What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an account of your stewardship because you are not to be my steward any longer.' Then the steward said to himself, 'Now that my master is taking the stewardship from me, what am I to do? Dig? I am not strong enough. Go begging? I should be too ashamed. Ah, I know what I will do to make sure that when I am dismissed from office there will be some to welcome me into their homes.'"
Then he called his master's debtors one by one. To the first he said, "How much do you owe my master?" "One hundred measures of oil," was the reply. The steward said, "Here, take your bond; sit down straight away and write fifty." To another he said, "And you, sir, how much do you owe?" "One hundred measures of wheat" was the reply. The steward said, "Here, take your bond and write eighty."
The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.
Prayers:
Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, Have Mercy on Us, Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, Save Us, Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, Hear Us, Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Fatherand the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. (etc.) Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen.
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Ave Maris Stella Hail, bright star of ocean, God's own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva's name. Break the captives' fetters, Light on blindness pour, All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thy Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. |
Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild, Freed from guilt, preserve us, Pure and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy forevermore. Through the highest heaven To the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. |
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